Fault Code Readers

[Chris81]

I often see posters mentioning their OBD2 fault code reader and think I'll purchase one myself, especially as dealers charge £50 to diagnose a fault code

I'm just after some recommendations on which one to buy. Don't fancy chancing my luck with eBay withoug a bit of prior knowledge. Am I right in thinking that Toyotas need an 'OBD2' compatible device, but some other manufacturers use 'CAN-BUS'- are there any more types?? Depending on cost, I think I'd rather go for one that reads both, at least then I can use it on friends/family cars. I've seen the scangauge 2 for £130 but that probably does more than I'd ever need. I just want something to read and then erase fault codes.

So, if you've got one, how much was it and where did you get it? Oh, and is it any good?!

[alfiejts]

This is the sort of thing I bought - cable complete with laptop software - I bought it for my Alfa 156 and it worked fine on my 2000 Yaris to read the MIL engine light error code and to reset it....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/CAR-DIAGNOSTIC-CODE-READER-ELM-327-USB-1-4-OBD2-ii-CAN-/140443132982?pt=UK_Diagnostic_Tools_Equipment&hash=item20b3102436

You do, of course, need a laptop so that you can use it inside the car. Doesn't work too well with a desktop PC in the house unless you can take your car indoors....

Mine wasn't "canbus" compliant, but the original Yaris didn't have a canbus system anyway.

The new Yaris (2006 on) does have canbus, so assume you need a canbus capability to use it on the later models. I haven't tried my old non-canbus cable on the new Yaris yet....

[Daveyonthemove]

Depending on what phone you have, you could get a fault code reader for under £25.

See my post here:

http://www.toyotaownersclub.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=117577

[Chris81]

Thanks for the replies guys. Unfortunately I don't have a laptop or a fancy phone so I'm looking for an all-in-one hand held reader.